Single-Handed Suturing Device Advances Vascular Surgery

A disposable precision instrument enables surgeons to suture tubular and layered structures using just one hand, and at twice the speed of conventional suturing.

The Switch Platform is based on a straight needle positioned in a needle holder, which is placed inside a forceps-like device. The needle is passed through the tissue, and is then recovered by a second needle holder on the other jaw of the forceps. The needle is then repositioned inside the needle holder and the process is repeated to the reverse direction; the procedure is thus repeated with every suture. This repetitive sequence allows for continuous suturing in a predictable linear path, resulting in less motion friction and damage to the vessel wall.

The Switch can be operated by lightly pinching the double-action buttons on the side with the thumb and index finger of one hand; the other hand is free to present the tissue to be sutured. The technique greatly improves the precision and efficiency of the suturing process, as surgeons no longer need to switch the needle between instruments, and can focus on getting control over the tissue instead. It also reduces operational time, as on average 30% of the operation time is spent on suturing.

Future developments include Switch devices with varying geometries; a micro surgery model for coronary artery and arteriovenous fistula procedures; laparoscopic and robotic variants; a reusable electrical model with exchangeable jaws; a 10 cm version; and diversification in suture material, including polydioxanone (PDS) and vicryl. The Switch is a product of Mellon Medical (Nijmegen, The Netherlands), and will initially focus on three vascular indications: carotid artery surgery, kidney transplant, and peripheral bypass surgery.

“By collaborating with medical specialists, industrial designers, and ergonomic experts in the development of the Switch, Mellon has been able to reinvent suturing, bringing suturing technology into the 21st century,” said vascular surgeon Mark Vrancken Peeters, MD, chief medical officer of Mellon Medical. “Our mission is to improve medical procedures by providing the best possible tools. We believe our innovative platform suturing technology will improve patient outcome and reduce overall healthcare costs.”

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